Comparing

When comparing companies you may find great differences in their final prices, however to
assure that you are making a fair comparison here are some important things to check...

1.  Style and Size of Memorial
This being the most obvious. The style and size of the memorial is the main determination of the final
cost. When comparing prices be sure that you are first comparing the same style and size of memorial.
You can find more information on memorial style types by clicking here.

2.  Material Type
This you would think to be the most obvious, when in fact it can be the most confusing for the consumer.
Today there is mainly two types of stone commonly used for cemetery memorials. Marble and Granite.
Granite being the most widely used in the United States. However, each come in a wide variety of colors
and each color can have several different grades. For example, the two most popular granites still used
today are Georgia Gray (quarried in Elberton, GA) and Barre Gray (quarried in Barre, VT). To the
average person these two granites may appear to be the same color. When in fact, they are not only
different granites, but the prices for a memorial may vary by several hundred to even thousands of
dollars between the two colors. To further complicate things, each color has several different grades
which also affect the price. In recent years this has even been further complicated from the increase of
imported gray granites. So, as you can see this is where the average consumer has to rely heavily on
the word of the dealer. Be sure to deal with a company like Stevenson Memorials, that has been in
business for a number of years and has built a good reputation in their community.

3.  Finish
Yes, even the finish affects the final cost. Typically the more polished areas on a memorial, the higher
the price because the polish surfaces takes longer to manufacture than non-polished or rock pitched
areas. Also, special shapes and contours not considered a standard add to the cost.

4.  Engraving
This is where some companies really start to add to their quoted price. I even have seen some
companies charge per letter. This is fine to do if, they make the customer aware of this up front. At
Stevenson Memorials we include all names and dates that may be engraved at the time of purchase
on the front using standard fonts and sandblasted techniques. As well as, any standard flat design
carving. We may charge for future death dates, additional engraving on the back of the memorial,
special designed shaped carvings or hand tooled finish work and photographs. But, we are always
honest, clear and up front about our pricing.

5.  Installation
Again to avoid hidden costs, Stevenson Memorials also includes the cost of the concrete foundation
and any cemetery installation expenses. Be sure the other company does the same.


Need Help?
We would gladly help guide you in your purchase of a memorial. Even if you may be out of our
service area, we can often recommend a company in your area to assure that you will not regret
your decision. Call us anytime toll free at 1-866-584-4381.